5 Senior Living Options

Let's say you got married and bought your dream home -- the house that you raised your children in, a place where you imagined growing old. Many aging adults want to stay in their own home, though they may make a few changes that indicate their changing condition. For example, they may integrate features such as a grab bar in the shower or install an elevator for wheelchair and walker use. Aging adults may need help a few days a week with housekeeping or health care issues, and there are many home care agencies that can provide these services.

Sometimes, though, it becomes apparent that the home is not meeting the aging adult's needs. Maybe all the nearby friends have passed away or it's just too big for one or two adults living on their own. Because long-term care in a facility can be expensive, many aging adults elect to move in with their grown children. This option works out well for some, but be aware that it requires some delicate negotiation in terms of roles and responsibilities as the child assumes a caregiver role.

It's also worth nothing that people select this option thinking it will be inexpensive, but the hidden expenses for the caregiver add up. Adult children tend to pay out of pocket for their parents' needs to the tune of several hundred dollars a month [source: Gross].

When You Need a Babysitter

Since caring for a parent living under your roof can feel like a full-time job, it's important to take a break every now and then. Many nursing homes now offer respite care, an option that allows aging adults to spend a weekend at the home while caregivers get a break. Some communities also offer adult day care services, where the aging adult can get a hot meal and meet fellow seniors.